METROPAC-San Beda turned to Clint Doliguez's hot hands as it fended off Diliman College-Gerry's Grill, 67-55, Thursday in the 2019 PBA D-League at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The senior forward came off the bench and uncorked 21 points on a 5-of-6 clip from beyond the arc, as well as hauling down three rebounds, to help the Movers score back-to-back wins.
James Canlas collected 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals, as Evan Nelle had 13 points, four boards, and three assists.
Donald Tankoua also missed out on a double-double with his nine points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks in the victory, which helped Metropac-San Beda rise to solo second in the Foundation Group at 4-1.
"Ngayon, medyo naglalaro kami as a team," remarked coach Boyet Fernandez as he lauded the efforts of his veterans. "Ang sinasabi ko lang sa kanila, wala na tayong nung dalawang leader natin, wag na nating asahan sila. Kailangan silang mag-step up."
The Movers held a 13-point edge, 52-39, early in the fourth quarter, before Robbi Darang tried to get the Blue Dragons within seven, 62-55 in the final 1:15.
But Canlas and Nelle put a halt on those comeback attempts as Metropac-San Beda went on and took the 12-point win.
Beninese slotman Kevin Gandjeto powered Diliman-Gerry's with 13 points and eight rebounds as his side fell to 2-3.
The scores:
METROPAC-SAN BEDA 67 -- Doliguez 21, Canlas 15, Nelle 13, Tankoua 9, Obenza 3, Oftana 2, Bahio 2, Visser 2, Etrata 0, Abuda 0, Carino 0.
DILIMAN-GERRY'S 55 -- Gandjeto 13, Balagtas 12, Cabanag 10, Darang 7, Brutas 5, Mahari 3, Bauzon 2, Bonsubre 2, Torrado 1, Enriquez 0, Brill 0, Melendez 0.
Quarters: 20-15, 33-25, 48-39, 67-55.
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